LAS CRUCES >> A state judge denied Monday a prosecutor's motion to reconsider an appeal bond he set for Robert J. Flores, the man convicted of leaving his infant daughter to die in a laundry basket in 2007.

Last April, 3rd Judicial District Judge Fernando Macias sentenced Flores to 18 years in prison for convictions of negligent child abuse and evidence tampering. Flores' attorney, Mark Pickett, twice motioned the court for an appeal bond, which can be granted post-conviction, when certain conditions are met.

Then in July, Macias set an $80,000 appeal bond. Macias ruled that Flores' appeal brings to light substantial issues that could lead to a new trial. Days later, after putting up the entire amount, Flores was released from a state prison near Santa Rosa.

Prosecutor Jacinto Palomino argued that Flores was a flight risk and requested a $250,000 bond Monday in court.

Picket had asked for a $50,000 appeal bond.

Macias' denial means Flores will remain out on conditional bond until the New Mexico Court of Appeals makes its decision. If the Court of Appeals affirms the previous verdict, Macias said, Flores will immediately report to the Doña Ana County Detention Center to be placed into custody.

Flores, a former star quarterback in Artesia, was convicted in the death of his 4-month-old baby girl, Kalynne. He reportedly left her in a laundry basket so he could leave and buy beer.